To the editor:
Brad Besler香蕉视频直播檚 latest lawsuit against Mayor Doug Holmes is a step too far, a waste of taxpayer dollars and a distraction from the real issues facing Summerland.
This is a cost that our town simply cannot afford 香蕉视频直播� both financially and in terms of community division.
When someone voluntarily steps into the public arena 香蕉视频直播� whether as an elected official or as a self-declared watchdog 香蕉视频直播� they open themselves up to scrutiny, critique, and disagreement. That is simply the nature of public discourse.
If politicians or self-proclaimed activist watchdogs sued over every perceived slight or disagreement, municipalities like Summerland would be bankrupt.
Lawsuits should be reserved for genuine harm, not for hurt feelings.
The idea that the mayor香蕉视频直播檚 comments warrant a defamation suit is not only legally flimsy, but it also undermines Besler香蕉视频直播檚 own credibility as a watchdog. If you want to hold council accountable, you can香蕉视频直播檛 simultaneously demand immunity from public criticism.
Those who want to make a difference 香蕉视频直播� whether elected or not 香蕉视频直播� must be able to take criticism and move on. It is part of public life.
Some of the remarks Besler has taken issue with are minor compared to what public figures, both elected and self-appointed, routinely endure. He needs to ask himself: If he had been elected to council, which he attempted in 2022, would he be pursuing legal action every time someone posted a negative comment about him? Public service, in any form, comes with the reality that not everyone will agree with you 香蕉视频直播� and that香蕉视频直播檚 okay.
This lawsuit is not about accountability; it香蕉视频直播檚 a personal vendetta. If Besler wants to expose mismanagement or waste, there are far better ways to do it 香蕉视频直播� letters to the editor, well-researched op-eds, and direct engagement with council through policy discussions. These approaches challenge decision-making without resorting to personal attacks.
I have written letters questioning council香蕉视频直播檚 financial decisions, and while they may not like my observations, they understand that my focus is on their choices, not on attacking them personally. That is the difference between constructive criticism and making everything personal.
Summerland has bigger issues to deal with 香蕉视频直播� economic development, responsible spending and sound governance. Our tax dollars should not be wasted on legal defences for unnecessary lawsuits.
This is not about silencing criticism; it香蕉视频直播檚 about recognizing that disagreements do not belong in courtrooms.
If Besler truly wants to be taken seriously as a community advocate, he should drop the lawsuit and focus on what really matters: policy, spending, and governance.
It香蕉视频直播檚 time to act like adults, let go of petty grievances, and do the work that actually benefits Summerland.
I urge Besler to withdraw this lawsuit today and return to uncovering areas of government waste rather than wasting time and taxpayer money on personal grievances.
Ron Kubek
Summerland